Smith-Morra Gambit (PC-DVD)

The Smith-Morra Gambit, characterised by the moves 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 is one of the least played, yet according to IM Trent most underrated Anti-Sicilians that White has at his disposal. By sacrificing a pawn, White aims to rapidly develop his pieces with the objective of delivering a swift knockout blow to the unprepared Black camp.

Objectively speaking, Trent emphasises, if Black knows his stuff he has various ways to achieve a perfectly reasonable position. The beauty of this opening, Trent explains, lies in its practical "over-the-board" potential. Black players will have trouble coping with unknown positions and being put on the back foot from the start.

It should be of no surprise that around 50% of players with Black decide to decline the gambit, but even in this case Trent presents a host of tricky variations, which allow White to attack with venom, not to mention a number of previously unseen theoretical novelties!

Lawrence Trent is an International Master from England. He has represented England as a player and as a coach and has been a 3-time winner of the Porto San Giorgio International tournament, finishing ahead of many Grandmasters.